Date:05/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/05/stories/2007090555441400.htm

National

Plea of train blasts case accused heard

Staff Reporter

Transfer of cases sought

MUMBAI: Principal judge Ashok Bhangale on Tuesday heard the application of 13 accused in the serial train blasts case of July 2006 seeking transfer of the case to another court.

Special Judge Mrudula Bhatkar, presiding over the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act court, had given them time till September 10 to get an order on their demand.

The accused narrated their grievances and judge Bhangale took them on record. The matter will be heard further on Wednesday.

The trial will proceed only if the application is decided before September 10.

The accused stalled the proceedings in the court on Monday and discharged their defence lawyers, claiming lack of faith in the special judge.

After framing of the charges, the court had not been able to proceed with evidence as the accused had adopted a strategy of non co-operation and resorted to almost violent behaviour, prosecutor Raja Thakre said.